CAR SEAT WOES: HOW TO COPE WHEN BABY CRIES

What to do when your little one puts up a fuss about being strapped in

S trapping your baby up in a car seat has always been an absolute non- negotiable but from May 2015, it became illegal in South Africa to have a child under the age of three unrestrained in a moving vehicle. But what happens when your baby kicks up a fuss every time you strap them in? We’ve got some useful tips for frustrated parents:

GET A CHECKUP

If your baby seems to be in pain or is absolutely inconsolable after being strapped into the car seat for a while, pop in to see your paediatrician. Very often, children who are battling with colic or reflux-related issues battle with being confined to their car seat. Don’t be shy to ask for paediatrician for advice on this one – there are no silly questions when it comes to your baby’s health.

SECURE BUT COMFORTABLE

Check that the straps and buckles of the car seat are not pinching your baby. Ensure that the car seat straps are properly adjusted for your baby’s size, so that your child doesn’t slide down the seat or isn’t pinched anywhere. A good rule to follow is the “one but not two” rule (where you can fit one finger under the strap but not two), when your child is strapped into her car seat. This leaves enough wiggle room for your child, but also keeps her secure in her car seat.

DIVINE DISTRACTIONS

Babies are very often calmed by music, and a good tune could help to calm your frayed nerves too. Try a variety of different music genres to see which one your baby responds to the most positively. Don’t forget to pop a soft toy or cloth book into her hands before you go, as this can distract her enough to let you have a peaceful drive towards your destination.

DRESSING LIGHT IS RIGHT

It might be a chilly winter’s day outside, but inside a snuggly car seat it’s a completely different story. Rather dress your baby lightly and layer on a jersey or jacket when getting ready to go out, and take the layers off as necessary so that she doesn’t get too hot in her seat. And you can take her hat off too – it’s only going to irritate her while you’re travelling.

KEEP IT SHADY

A handy sunshade over the window will help to not only keep your baby cool, but it’ll also keep the harsh rays of the sun out of her eyes.

MAKE IT A TEAM EFFORT

If you’re travelling with your baby’s sibling or your partner, let them to sit in the back to keep the youngest member of your family entertained. This way, you can focus on driving while they take care of the baby.

ALWAYS TIME YOUR TRAVELS

Very often, babies are lulled into a deep sleep by the constant motion of a car. Take advantage of this by planning your trips out the house around your baby’s expected nap times. Try to drive at the times when your baby would normally be ready for a nap. Wait a little longer into naptime and you could end up with an overtired baby on your hands, which would be doubly unpleasant if she’s strapped into her car seat.

DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS

There’s nothing more annoying than trying to deal with a dirty nappy and discovering that you left the important items at home. Keep a handy, smaller version of your nappy bag in your car, stocked with the essentials like baby wipes, nappies, a dummy and a change of clothes for your baby. That way, if you need to pull over to deal with a nappy drama, you won’t be caught short at the worst time.